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Syllabus:

Immunology, 7.5 Credits

Swedish name: Immunologi

This syllabus is valid: 2023-02-06 and until further notice

Course code: 5MO096

Credit points: 7.5

Education level: First cycle

Main Field of Study and progress level: Molecular Biology: First cycle, has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements

Grading scale: Three-grade scale

Responsible department: Department of Molecular Biology

Established by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2016-09-12

Revised by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2023-06-02

Contents

Part 1, theory (5.5 credits)

The theoretical part will focus on the immune system's organization and development, cellular and molecular mechanisms for the innate and adaptive immune responses, how these are activated during stimulation, effector mechanisms, immunological memory, tolerance mechanisms, transplant immunology, deregulation of the immune responses, and immune responses to various types of pathogenic microorganisms. The course also includes problem solving of experimental primary data and discussion of and presentation of scientific literature.

Part 2, laboratory work (2.0 credits)

The laboratory provides practical application of the theory content and training on immune-related techniques, including analysis and interpretation of experimental primary data.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should demonstrate the ability to:

  • Describe the structure of the immune system and its constituents.
  • Explain the immune cells' maturation, activation and function, as well as the general principles for signaling in and between immune cells.
  • Explain how the immune response is activated upon different types of stimuli.
  • Discuss how the immune system acts during hypersensitivity reactions, transplant rejection, autoimmunity and against infectious agents.
  • Describe general immune-related techniques.
  • Use the obtained factual knowledge in oral and written presentation.
  • Independently plan and carry out the laboratory work and critically interpret the obtained primary data.
  • Obtain relevant information in scientific literature, and present and discuss this in a larger group.
  • Provide written reports and oral presentations within the given time frames and in accordance with the given regulations.

Required Knowledge

20 credits from completed courses in chemistry, of which at least 5 credits in biochemistry, or 20 credits from a combination of completed courses in chemistry and physics and / or mathematics, of which at least 5 credits in biochemistry; 60 credits from completed courses in biology, these credits must contain molecular biology, genetics, cell biology and physiology; documented proficiency in experimental work comprising at least 5 credits.

Form of instruction

The course will be held in English, and will include lectures, group discussions/assignments, oral presentations and supervised laboratory work in the subject area.  Assignments', presentations and laboratory work are mandatory. The labs begin with theoretical introductions, after which the students themselves plan and execute the laboratory work. The laboratory work is planned together with laboratory assistants and must be approved before the experimental part can begin. The laboratory work is documented in a lab book.

Examination modes

Module 1 is examined by an individual written examination of the theoretical module and by an oral presentation of an assignment done in group but with individual assessment. Examination of module 2 is done through written laboratory report performed in groups.

Grades given for the written examination of the theory part on module 1 are Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with distinction (VG). Grades for the oral presentation (module 1) and the laboratory part (module 2) are Fail (U) or Pass (G). In order to achieve the grade G, the student must submit the individual written assignments according to the defined guidelines. Furthermore, active participation in recapitulations and discussions is required. Active participation means that the student contributes with his / her own comments, reflections and questions, and that the student answers questions posed to the student or to the group.

The course is graded with the following grades Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) or Fail (U). Requirements for grade G are: i) written examination on module 1 assessed as Pass (G); ii) the other mandatory elements assessed with the grade passed (G). Requirements for grade VG are: i) written examination assessed as Pass with distinction (VG); ii) the other mandatory elements assessed with the grade Pass (G). If the written test is graded with the result Fail (U), the course is given the grade Fail (U). The course leader can decide that an active participation in exercises and presentations as well as a passing result in a dugga should give bonus points to be added to the exam result, however not exceeding 10% of the total score of the exam. It is up to the course leader to inform at the start of the course which elements give bonus points and what is required to obtain them.

In the event of absence from a mandatory teaching session, the examiner decides on alternative assignment or whether the student must attend the session at a later date.

For students who have not been approved at the regular exam, a new exam will be arranged in accordance with Umeå University's Rules for grades and examinations at undergraduate and advanced level (FS 1.1-574-22).

The first opportunity for re-examination is offered within two months of the regular exam. For examinations conducted during the months of May and June, the first re-exam may be offered within three months of the regular examination. A second re-exam must be offered within one year of the regular exam. If the result is U (Fail), the student is then referred to the exam the next time the course/module is given.

A student who has attended two examinations for a course or part of a course without an approved result, has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless special reasons speak against it (HF Chapter 6, Section 22). Requests for a new examiner are made to Deputy Head of Department of Molecular Biology.

Deviations from the syllabus examination format can be made. Individual adaptation of the form of examination must be considered based on the student's needs. The form of the examination is adapted within the framework of the course plans' expected study results.  Student who needs an adapted examination must send the request to the department responsible for the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on an adapted examination, which is then notified to the student.

Crediting

The student has the right to be tested on whether previous education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in professional activities can be recognized as equivalent to a corresponding education at Umeå University. Application for credit transfer is sent to Studentcentrum. More information on credit transfer is available at Umeå University's student website and in the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 6)

Other regulations

In the event that the course plan ceases to apply or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three exam opportunities (including regular exam opportunities) according to the regulations in the course plan in which the student was originally registered to, for a maximum of two years from the time the previous course plan ceased to apply or that the course has ceased to be offered.

Literature

The literature list is not available through the web. Please contact the faculty.